Mr. Alien

So, you’re 33 years old now (and 35-36 at graduation) and have six years of work experience. You could be EMBA material. The EMBA case is made stronger by the fact you do not want to change industries. First, you should actually consider an EMBA since it works for you and is cheaper, blah. blah. Second, if you still want an MBA, you need to explain in application why you DO NOT WANT an EMBA. Are you a US Citizen? If so, that could help because it would mean (I assume) you are an Hispanic Surname applicant, which means an underrepresented minority (URM) in the US. Columbia might go for this because it looks like you will be easily employed after MBA (something that is always on their mind!) and your stats are solid. That 700 will be a small annoyance. You could do yourself and them a favor, and maybe even get a scholarship, if you got that to 730. Also, if you got a 730, you would really increase odds at Wharton and HBS.

Hi Mr. Alien! This is Talon Rindels, Sr. Admissions Consultant at The MBA Exchange. I think you’re a candidate that Columbia will be willing to take a bet on… especially if you are talking about going for the EMBA program! And the only reason that i say they’d be “taking a bet” is due to your GMAT score. While you are within their middle 80%, its well below their average. If you could get that up to 720-730, I may place your odds at nearly 50% due to all of the impressive accomplishments and involvement you referenced (it’s quite the list and ALL very impressive!). You’re an athlete, a musician (singer), you give back to the community through your teaching/NGO work, and you are clearly very technical (shown through your hacking abilities)! Your age could work against you in traditional 2Y MBAs, which is why I suggest considering an EMBA. If going for a 2Y, your “why an MBA now?” answer will be very important. I love what you have to offer and I’m hopeful at least one of those on your list will too!

Hello Mr. Alien! Krista Nannery here from mbaMission. I’ve worked with a lot of energy candidates and I generally find that they do really well in this competitive process. Add in South America, blockchain, and this interesting award from the US Department of State and you become even more interesting! I’ve put 20% down though because of your age and also that 700 — and I’m specifically referring to CBS. Jones and McCombs will be much easier for you — they’ll like the diversity you bring to the program and the energy expertise and may be more willing to look beyond your age. Fuqua might respond well as well.

My advice would be to get that GMAT up to 730+ to give yourself the best possible shot at the schools you are targeting. And make sure to address “Why now?” in your apps as well. Lastly, I really want you to look at the employment reports for the schools you are targeting and the average salaries post-MBA. I have a feeling you may already be beyond those salaries? Just something to think about…

Hope that helps!

Mr. Alien – Susan Cera, Director of MBA Admissions, here. There is a TON to like about your profile. Based on the information you have shared it seems that you have a very unique and compelling narrative. The one weakness I see is your softer GMAT score.
I like the list of schools you have beyond CBS since most of them have great strength in the energy space (which I don’t believe CBS really has). Be sure to connect with students from the Energy Clubs at the different schools to understand what resources are available for you to tap as well as to get a better understanding of you you can contribute to the program. I suspect you probably have a 50+% shot at Duke, McCombs and Rice. All the best!

Hi, this is Melisa from Status Admissions. Congrats on your interview invite from Rice! You have lots of strength in your candidacy and based on the interview invite – I am guessing you are applying this year to programs. As you are assessing any offers that come through, I would encourage you to consider a part time or EMBA. I worked with a client who started wanting a full time program and after talking with schools and sitting in on classes, chose to apply (successfully) to top EMBA programs. Reasons he (and others) have made the change to EMBA programs were that he found the students in the EMBA classes better matched his experience level. Based on your years of experience in work and your graduate degree, this may also be the case for you. If you haven’t already, it might be worth reaching out to the EMBA programs at Columbia, Haas and the others. I have found that EMBA admissions are very interested in talking through with potential students if an EMBA program will best fit their needs. While part time and EMBA programs want you to be working while you are attending classes, you often have access to their career services to help with any career changes you might want to make. I rated your odds at 25% based on your interest in Columbia. For full time programs, I like your chances at Rice and McCombs and as you interview be ready to answer more clearly explain your long-term goals (they feel very broad based on what you submitted) and why you need an MBA to achieve that goal. Haas is a stretch because of its low acceptance rate with their small class, but will really value your diverse background. Depending upon what type of firm you want to transition to – you may find you already have the skills you need!